How to use a zero-interest credit card to save during the holidays

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With the holidays quickly approaching, you might be worrying about how you'll pay for presents without racking up a bunch of credit card debt. Many people turn to 'buy now pay later' loans (BNPL) to spread the cost of gift-giving across a couple of months. However, BNPL loans often lack many of the benefits and consumer protections that credit cards offer.

If you want even more time to pay off your holiday shopping spree, as well as added perks and consumer protection, you should look into opening a 0% APR credit card.

A 0% APR credit card can help you defer interest while still providing you with shopping protections, and potentially, the ability to earn rewards.

0% intro APR credit cards offer a designated interest-free period, usually ranging from six to 21 months, on purchases and/or qualifying balance transfers. This allows you to avoid paying sky-high interest rates on your balances, without giving up the spending flexibility and benefits of a credit card. And during times of heavy spending (like the holidays), they can be a great way to split up big expenses over a longer period.

Let's say you plan on spending $1,500 this holiday season. If you were to put those purchases on a credit card with a 23.99% APR, and you just made the minimum payment each month (let's say it's $40), it would take you 70 months to pay off the card and you'd spend nearly $1,300 in interest.

However, you can avoid interest with the right 0% APR card. For example, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months (17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR variable APR thereafter) from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5;. Some 0% APR cards even earn cash back or other rewards.

With 0% APR cards, you'll still need to pay at least the minimum each month. To make the most of the card, it's best to figure out a payment plan so you can pay off the balance before the 0% APR period ends. With the Reflect card, you'll want to pay about $72 per month over the 21-month period to avoid interest charges on the $1,500 balance.

The cards below all offer an introductory 0% intro APR, along with a list of other benefits.

All 0% intro APR credit cards have the same major benefit: Giving cardholders the chance to avoid interest charges for a specific amount of time. However, these cards are not all created equal. Here are some points to remember when choosing a 0% intro APR credit card.

Cashback or travel rewards

Not all 0% APR cards offer a rewards program, though many do. Consider if the length of the 0% intro APR offer is more important to you or if you want to earn rewards. For example, you can get 2% cash rewards on all eligible purchases with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees), but if rewards aren't as important to you, you could consider the Citi Simplicity® Card. It offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening (17.49% - 28.24% variable after; see rates and fees). Balance transfers must be completed in the first four months. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Length of 0% introductory period

Each card offers a different introductory APR period, typically from six to 21 months. It is wise to evaluate how fast you can pay your balance off. If you cannot pay off your credit card balance before the introductory APR period ends, the card will resume charging its normal interest rates.

Consumer protections

If you're making holiday purchases with this card, you'll want one that offers consumer protections. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides purchase protection and extended warranty protection, which covers purchases made with the card against theft, damages or defective products (see rates and fees).

While there are some restrictions for these coverages, no additional work is needed on your end. Simply swipe with the respective card, and your purchases are protected.

Your credit score

You usually need a good or excellent credit score to be approved for a 0% intro APR credit card. Credit card issuers have strict requirements for these cards because they want to be sure you will pay back your balance in full, so they aren't left with a potentially high balance card without payment.

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For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Everyday Card® from American Express, click here.

Information about the Citi Simplicity® Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.